The evening starts with the German Symphonic Metalists of Leaves‘ Eyes. I am neither a fan of Symphonic Metal, nor of Vikings, and not at all of high female voices. So in terms of Leaves‘ Eyes, to put it mildly, I’m rather skeptical. The hall, which is not even half full at the start of the show, does not exactly increase my hope either. Ok, Wednesday is not necessarily the best day for a concert, but you get a pretty strong line up here, so I still expected a bit more people. But at least Leaves‘ Eyes surprise me with an amazingly good performance. When, close to the end of the show, singer Alexander Krull armed with helmet and sword calls off for battle, even I’m convinced of the quality of Leaves‘ Eyes and need no futher invation to follow the example of the other fans to throw my fist in the air and march with waving hair into the fight.

The new „super band“ from Finland – that’s how Flat Earth is advertised. Yes, the cast is quite top-class with Mikko „Linde“ Lindström and Gas Lipstick (ex H.I.M.), Niclas Etelävuori (ex Amorphis) and Anthony Pikkarainen. Accordingly, I had expected a lot and I’m almost a bit disappointed. Musically, the whole thing is not really my case, but still quite ok, but what is definitely missing is the communication between band and fans. Therefore there is no real atmosphere existing.

During Kamelot, however, the atmosphere is fantastic and for a Wednesday evening, the number of visitors is also acceptable now. But the fans had to wait long enough to see the Kamelot live again, the last gig in Tampere was almost 5 years ago. But now the Americans give everything to compensate their fans for the long wait. With „Phantom Divine (Shadow Empire)“ guest vocalist Lauren Hart from Once Human immediately got included as well. Fans of Battle Beast singer Noora Louhimo have to wait a bit longer, only with „Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife)“ and „Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy)“ we also get to hear your voice. The evening goes by way too fast for my taste and before I really realise it, the band already says goodbye to your fans again. That the show felt so short certainly had nothing to do with the length of the set list, but only with the fact, that I got totally carried away by the music. In my opinion, one of the best concerts I was able to experience this year.

English: Noora Louhimo and JC (Janne-Christian) Halttunen played some of their favourite songs at the sold out Crafters bar last Friday in Hyvinkää. For about two hours we got to hear classics like “Wicked Game” from Chris Isaak, “Wild Child” from W.A.S.P and “You Shook Me All Night Long” from AC/DC. The atmosphere was definitely great and everybody seemed to have a really good time. Before the show I had the chance to have a small talk with Noora and JC.

Anna: Hi and thank you for your time. First of all can you already tell us anything about the new Battle Beast album?

Noora: Well, I can tell you, that we are in a good process with it. I’m just doing the vocals for the new album and we’re on schedule. I’m really excited about the songs, I think it’s gonna be great. At the moment the guys are doing guitars and bass and I’ll go back to the studio on Sunday to continue my work. We’re also gonna have a new tour next year, I can’t tell you yet when it starts, but anyways I think it’s gonna be great. I will have a new outfit on the upcoming tour, so I’m really excited.

A: You doing so much stuff like recording with Battle Beast, this Duo shows, joining Kamelot for their Finland tour dates, etc., how do you get that all together?

N: By scheduling. I would like to take part in everything, if it is good music or a good band, but of course I have to be more selective nowadays. This year I knew really early when Battle Beast will take a touring break, so I could plan our Duo show tour after that and also with Kamelot we agreed about the featuring shows already months ago. Actually we started talking about that already when Battle Beast was touring with them in the U.S. this spring. When Tommy asked me, if I want to join them when they’re in Finland, I of course said yes. They are great. The songs I got to sing were great, originally Elize Ryd and Alissa White-Gluz has been doing vocals on those songs, so it was really cool to bring my sound to that vibe.

A: Now on the Duo shows the venues are relatively small, what do you like more the big festival shows or these small club shows?

N: Actually I like more intimate shows, because I like the fans to be close and I can eyeball everyone 😉 Especially on those Duo shows with JC (Janne-Christian Halttunen), I think it’s really nice that we can do shows in small pubs and have a moment with our friends there. But I still also love big shows like festivals, because those got a different kind of atmosphere. The energy that comes from all those people to the band is something I’m hooked with. I like all kinds of shows, but with the duo shows I definitely enjoy the small places more.

A: How did the idea of the Duo shows started?

N: I already did Duet shows before I got into Battle Beast and when I got to know JC about 3 or 4 years ago we began to play shows together. I think he is one of the best guitarists here in Finland and he can also do the backing vocals. On our Duo shows we will introduce his and my own music for which he is one of the songwriters too.

A: How do you choose the songs for the Duo shows?

JC: Noora and I have very similar taste in music, so it’s pretty easy to gather around some of our favourite songs and perform them, so that it feels authentic that we really enjoy the songs and music that we are playing for the people.

A: Noora, you also have the MuteSwans project, I bet that is quite difficult to organize, as you all also play in other bands.

N: Yes, but actually this is becoming this once a year special event and I think it’s always gonna be in the end of the year. We all go around the world with our own bands and then we get together once a year to celebrate each other and music. The songs for this project have also been selected together. Those are some of our favourite songs and artists. On the previous show there were only 4 songs, that we sang together, but people gave us the feedback, that they would like to hear us together on more songs, so next show we will perform more songs in collaboration.

How did the idea of the MuteSwans Project come to life?

N: This idea started when we were talking with the girls about when we’re gonna meet. It’s always so hard, as we have all different schedules. We figured that the only way to meet each other, at least once a year is to have a project together and that’s true. We have been for coffee together, but then it’s usually not possible for everyone to be there.

A: How did it feel to play the final shows of the “Bringer of Pain”- Tour?

N: Very good! We first were in Markthalle Hamburg and then we had the last show in Winnenden. It was full blast celebration. We had some extra fun on stage too. We have two single guys now in the band, so before “Touch in the Night” I picked two single girls from the audience and let them have a “date” with the guys. It was really fun. Of course it feels kinda sad as well, because it was two years of touring world and the best time of my life. On the other hand, we’re on the way to finish our fifth album and our journey will continue. It’s like bringing something to its end to begin with something new and of course we will still play songs from “Bringer of Pain” along with our new songs. I have a great feeling about that.

The fifth edition of the Kiirarock Festival starts with alternative rock band Rückwater. The 3 guys from Tampere were able to win the newcomer competition. To be honest, I didn’t expect such a good Opening-Act and probably the (hardly) existing audience did not either.

Fortunately, the number of visitors is increasing quite quickly and during Joviac the first few fans dare to go in front of the stage. For Finnish standards and thinking of the still quite early time that is surprisingly good. But it’s really is a lot of fun to watch Joviac. The music is diversified and the voice of singer Viljami Wenttola is absolutely fantastic. The whole thing is somehow difficult to describe and that seems to also apply for the band them self, so they just declare their style with „We play music“.

Afterwards, Dead End Scene from Helsinki is rocking the Jack the Rooster stage. I think the guys have as much fun on stage as the fans in front of it. It just fits.

The final act on Friday is Normandie from Sweden. Unfortunately, they quite a few technical problems, but luckily the fans don’t seem to mind that too much, the atmosphere is still good. Somehow I’m reminded of casting show boy groups like the Backstreet Boys, (I leave it up to each of you, to decide if that’s positive or negative) but it’s still kinda nice.

Saturday starts with Rose Pilots and they obviously have fans in Tampere. In my opinion, a bit more variety would hurt the songs, but the performance is still a great start for the evening.

Violent Fever from Vantaa bring „Hard Rock and post-grunge with a touch of Metal“ and lots of enthusiasm and commitment. Boredom definitely don’t exist here, therefore, the mood is good.

Next up is Groupie High School, the only band of the festival I’ve ever seen before. I do not remember the last gig as a very good one, but it’s been a while now, so I’m hoping for an improvement. When it’s time to start, the bassist is missing – what a great start – but after only a short search, they are able to begin. However, I have to admit that the good mood of the band is really contagious. The Ouluers just make the whole bar their stage and are always here and there between the audience. The guys are unlikely to become one of my favorite bands, but at least they really improved a lot since I last saw them.

Meanwhile, the last remaining ticket has been sold and Kiirarock 2018 is therefore sold out. Just in time before headliner Dynazty to enter the stage. The atmosphere is fantastic. The Swedes reward their numerous fans with quite a lot of songs from the new album „Firesign“ which will be released on 28.09.

Overall this was a great festival weekend. I almost dare to hope that Tampere is still a little bit the Rock City as which I got to know it.

„The hardest garden party in Hamburg“ – that was the first and until that only thing I had heard about the Apes Enraged Festival. Apart from the fact that one of my favourite bands should play there, there were not much reasons to go on the long journey from Finland to Hamburg. But I anyway wanted to visit my German home during the summer and why shouldn’t I connect that with a festival visit? Ok, southern Germany is also not exactly around the corner from Hamburg, but where there’s a will, there’s a way and I think it was worth the effort and the sleep deprivation.

Saturday morning I arrive with the night bus in Hamburg and first explore the city. To my delight, the rather gloomy clouds disappear during the morning and when I arrive at the Festival area around 2:30 am the weather is radiantly beautiful.

Already at the entrance I get reminded by the scent of the suckling pig, that I haven’t had lunch yet, but fortunately this is no problem, as the selection of food is big enough, that everyone should be able to find something.

The start is made by In Search Of Sun with a little bit surprising mix of styles. Too bad that the Brits had to return back home as quickly as possible for personal reasons.

Next up is Detraktor from Hamburg. I don’t know what „Tractor Metal“ – as the boys call their still – is, but it definitely makes fun and is infectious.

Morbitory is also from Hamburg, but they play much harder music. So I prefer to discover the festival area a bit more in the meantime. Everything is quite compact, but you can still find something more all the time.

Then Determination played their last serenade. The Death Metal band from Rostock had their very last show here and I think that was not the worst decision, as they appear to have lost most of their joy of playing.

Monoscream, on the other hand, seems to have a lot of fun, especially bassist Kim Liljedahl, who always makes trips into the audience or pulls of one grimace after the other. I find the Swedes are very sympathetic. And even though Melodic Death Metal is not really my style of music I would like to see these guys again some when.

Damnation Defaced heat up the audience once again, but I prefer to skip the mosh pit and just go with headbanging, because next up is the band I’ve been waiting for all day.

Frosttide from Finland. Yes, I travelled from Finland to Germany to see a Finnish band and no, I’m not crazy. The boys were always worth every journey no matter how far and I also didn’t got disappointed this time. They started with „Carved Into Ice“ from their new EP, before they continue with the old classics.

As so often, the festival day is over far too fast, but fortunately I’m not in a hurry and can still end the day comfortably with a few beers (only 1.50€).

All in all, the Apes Enraged is a small but very nice festival. Good atmosphere seems to be guaranteed here and if you have a longer journey, you can put up your tent in the back of the festival area. Anyone who has enough of overcrowded and overly commercial festivals should drop by here, it definitely worth it.

The Saturday starts with Beast in Black and is therefore right from the start full of Energy and not only full of Energy, also already with a really full festival area (at 14:30!). But the audience also gets well rewarded for their presence, you can feel just how much fun the Finns have on stage.

Then it continues with Night Nurse – also from Finland – with quite a contrast program. In matters of music, the group around frontwomen Camy is much softer, not in a bad way at all, but the audience doesn’t seem to be that enthusiastic about them. Meanwhile I enjoy a quiet moment, the beautiful view of the lake and the sweets I just bought. But I do not have much time to relax, because soon after it already continues with Amorphis.

Although Amorphis have been one of my favorites for a long time, I rarely go to their live shows. Maybe I should reconsider, because the following show is definitely my personal highlight of the day and not only because the sun is now finally shining. At the latest with the song „Sacrifice“ the audience is also fully present. With only one hour of playtime, there is really only hit on hit on hit. At some point, the entire audience claps and sings – I haven’t seen so obviously enthusiastic Finns in a long time. Well, „Nyt on kesä“ (Now it’s summer) as singer Tomi Joutsen explains to us during the show and apparently that brings even the most restrained Finn out of hibernation. And those who still haven’t been awake until now, are sure to be woken up by Lost Society.

If they would be allowed, they would probably just put the whole stage in ruins, but since it’s still needed, they limit themselves to non-stop head banging. On the way back to the big stage, I make a little stop at the autograph session of Beast in Black, a few minutes just as a fan must indeed be possible and as this – as the entire festival – is very well organized and ordered I’m still more than on time for Mustasch.

Somehow it seems to be more crowded now and apparently it really is, because, while I’m still wondering if I only imagine this, there’s a new mail appearing on my phone. Luckily congested mobile networks are no problem in Finland, even on relatively large festivals, and so I get to know immediately, that there is a new visitor record for the South Park Festival. There are more than 13.000 visitors at this year’s edition of the festival. But then the Swedes form Mustasch start with „Bring Me Everyone“ and bright sunshine. However, the sudden summer weather seems to kinda frighten the Finn, otherwise I can’t explain why more and more people switch their place from in front of the stage to the shadow, while the show is still going on.

Also during S-Tool, there’s at first not much of the new visitor record noticeable. At the, for me, third show of this band I can finally hear the singer clearly. Is that because of the fact that there is finally a good sound engineer? Or is it simply because bassist Kimmo Hiltunen is ill, and so unfortunately can’t play and there’s therefore only half of the background vocals? Anyhow, it definitely helps the music. Slowly but surely the sun-scared-Finns dare to leave their hiding places again and so it gets fuller again at the end of the show.

Accept, on the other hand, are well-attended from the beginning. But you they are almost old acquaintances, as they were also already here at the second edition of the festival three years ago.

Afterwards at the Mokoma show, the space in front of the stage is barely enough for all the fans. Although I do not understand much of the Finnish texts, it is still thrilling. The guys seem to be typical Finnish bizarre, but very sympathetic.

The end of this year’s South Park Festival is made by Helloween, who, as same as Accept, have been playing here already 2015. Obviously, the audience should get a terrific show here and as around 22:30 the curtains fall, it immediately starts with full power. „Are you Metal?“ it roars from the stage. Yes, Tampere is Metal and so this fabulous Festival weekend ends with flying pumpkin balloons and I’m sure that this was not my last visit at the South Park Festival.

The, for me as a German, quite contemplative Festival scores with its great line-up, good organization and its fantastic location. I was warmly welcomed form everyone and so my nervousness about my first time as Press on a Finnish Festival disappeared very fast. Therefore, hopefully until next year.